BY TOM EVANS If you’ve been in Arizona for a while, you probably know that the planet Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, a place steeped in astronomical history. (Well, the “planet” part is a bit controversial, but nevertheless). Arizona is a hotbed of astronomy thanks to its clear sky and plentiful mountains in rural areas. And while Lowell Observatory dates back to 1894, and there are other, more modern telescopes in the state, Lowell has a special place in astronomy history and in the history of its hometown, Flagstaff. The new Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory is a game-changer for Flagstaff The Sky’s the Limit CREATING CULTURE 12 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

But Flagstaff community leaders had long wanted to build a place at Lowell that would dramatically enhance the experience for visitors and help the campus fulfill its potential as a center for learning. On Nov. 16, 2024, that vision became a reality when the $53.4 million Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory opened to the public. Hundreds of people went through the doors of the new facility that day and were treated to all the new exhibits and features of the Discovery Center as well as special programming. The Center promises to be a game-changer not just for Lowell but for northern Arizona as a whole, providing an entirely new experience for visitors to learn about the cosmos. “The Astronomy Discovery Center embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that has been at the heart of Lowell Observatory for more than a century,” said Dr. Amanda Bosh, the newly appointed executive director of Lowell Observatory. “This Center will inspire awe and curiosity in visitors of all ages, providing an unmatched experience that combines cutting-edge technology with the beauty of Flagstaff’s dark skies.” Constructed a few hundred yards from the Pluto Telescope, the Discovery Center is now the most prominent feature on the Lowell campus, a three-story, 40,000-square- foot facility designed to educate astronomy buffs of all ages. Some of its features include: LOWELL UNIVERSE THEATER A 180-seat theater with a two-story, 160-degree curved 16K LED screen, an LED screen on the ceiling and a stage for presentations. THE ROOFTOP DARK SKY PLANETARIUM A circular rooftop deck with heated seats and audio-visual features that turn sky-gazing into a totally different experience. THE ORBITS CURIOSITY ZONE A two-story exhibit for children to explore interactive activities that teach them about the cosmos. FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 13